Welcome

Find out all about Children 1st @

Hathern Nursery

What makes us magical at Children 1st @ Hathern?

It’s our calm, neutral environment with an abundance of natural resources where children can begin their individual learning journey. The aim of our nursery is to value each child’s individuality and build upon this. Every child entrusted to our care is special and unique. We strive to develop and maximise their enthusiasm for knowledge and fun. These are some of the reasons Ofsted say’s we’re “Good!”

The children enjoy playing and learning in well-organised environments where an extensive range of interesting activities inspires and motivates their development. The staff are committed to providing a high-quality provision that our parents want for their children.

Our friendly welcoming staff work closely with parents to promote the well-being of the children and these positive relationships ensure children settle quickly and happily. Ongoing liaison and sharing of information helps the children make good progress in their learning.

The children love the opportunity to explore, create and find out about the world around them through stimulating play based learning opportunities which our skilled staff provide. No wonder the children make good progress in their learning and all round development!

Conveniently located on the main A6, in the heart of Hathern, the nursery is readily accessible to the local community and surrounding areas. With a large on-site car park, we provide very efficient and safe drop offs and pick-ups.

The nursery manager would be delighted to give you a tour of the nursery. Please get in touch to book your appointment.

Meet our Nursery Team

Dawn Dakin

Manager

Leonie Roe

Deputy Manager

Jasmine Roberts

Early Years Practitioner

Alice Houldsworth

Senior Manager

Dawn Dakin

Manager

Hello my name is Dawn Dakin and I am the nursery manager here at Children 1st @ Hathern. I joined the company back in 2005 as a trainee nursery nurse and I have built my way up through the company, learning so much along the way.

I have a beautiful daughter who is at school. She has attended a Children 1st setting since being 8 months old. I have also recently given birth to a beautiful baby boy!

I have a passion for caring for children and ensuring that they are happy and settled whilst attending our setting. As a company we deliver the highest standards of care and education whilst ensuring all are having fun.

I am very proud of what the setting and team have to offer. I believe we completely fulfil our mission statement of “Leading the way, Shaping the future.”

From the minute you enter the nursery you and your child(ren) will feel part of the children 1st family instantly.

Leonie Roe

Deputy Manager

Jasmine Roberts

Early Years Practitioner

Alice Houldsworth

Senior Manager

My name is Alice Houldsworth and I have been with Children 1st for 19 years, with a short career break in the middle to focus on being a mum to my three children.
I began my career at children 1st as a manager and soon progressed into a senior manager role with mostly Early Years expertise. I am passionate about working with all age groups of children but I have a special place in my heart for our pre-schoolers. My whole ethos around my work with children has a secure base in emotional connections and making attachments in order for every child to reach their full potential. I feel that my role as a senior manager within the company affords me the opportunity to not only role model but heavily influence our current practitioners so that they too understand the important role that we play in your children’s lives.
Several years ago I went back to university to complete a degree in Children and Young Peoples Services (0-19 yrs) and this has further enabled me to confidently pass on my knowledge and experience to others.
My previous role working within the local authority as a development worker has also given me additional skills which I utilise within my work with children every day.
My role within Children 1st keeps me motivated to always strive to do the very best for every child and I am privileged to be part of your extended family.

Facilities

Please click the icons to get more information

Baby Suite

Our baby suite is a unique environment tailor made to stimulate very young minds as they begin to explore the world. Designed based on the latest Baby Brain research the baby suits are the perfect environment for your child.

Sensory Area

Heightening the senses of our babies, our sensory area within our baby suite is an environment full of toys and objects which children love to see, hear and feel.

Toddler Suite

Our toddler suite invites our young inquisitive and enthusiastic children to join in with the carefully planned and organised exciting activities throughout the day, all within a purpose built environment.There is real focus on providing lots of physical adventures as well as opportunities for quiet time, creative time and role play. Our open door policy encourages parents to pop in at any time.

Out of Schools Club

Our Out of Schools club invites older children back at the start and end of the day. Children have the opportunity to relax, do their homework or join in with the activities specifically planned for their age and preference.

Dedicated Chef

We know how important it is for children to eat a healthy balanced diet. This is why our nursery has a dedicated chef who develops nutritionally balanced meals for your child to enjoy and help them start good eating habits.

Large Garden

Our children love the large garden complete with bespoke outdoor learning environments. The unique space has been created in consultation with our children and is based on the latest research.

Nature Trail

Our large garden features a nature trail where children can learn about the outdoor environment and the interesting insects and animals that call the outdoors their home.

Inside Play Area with Ball Pond

Hugely popular with all children, our nursery features a large inside play area complete with ball pond. This unique environment has been designed in consultation with our children and their parents. Maybe that is why they love it so much!

Free Places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds

All our nurseries offer funded places for 2,3 and 4 year olds who meet the Government’s eligibility criteria. Please speak with us to discuss whether you are eligible.

IT Facilities

The next Bill Gates? Our nursery features the latest IT facilities for children to play and learn on. From our tablet tables to computers, Children are able to use these facilities as an essential learning resource, helping to equip them for the technological world we live in.

Highly recommended on DayNurseries.co.uk

We’ve received numerous recommendations on leading peer review site DayNurseries.co.uk , these can be seen HERE

French Classes

Children have the opportunity to take part in our French classes to help them develop of love of language from an early age and help them get a head in school.

Dancing with Funky Feet

Our Funky Feet Music and Movement classes are hugely popular. The weekly sessions for children aged 2-3 and 3-5, include movement to music and an opportunity for the children to make music, sing and dance with the help of our very cheeky friend “Toes” the bear.

Visits from the Hairdresser

A regular topic at our nursery is “People Who Help Us.” As part of this, a hairdresser visits the nursery once a month so that children can become comfortable with having their hair cut. The hairdresser is experienced in working with young children and provides a positive experience which can help children in the future.

FizzyTots Games

A big hit with all the children, the Fizzy Tots activity ensures all children learn to enjoy being active and how to play well with one another and as part of a team.

Football Coaching with Sheffield Wednesday

Every Tuesday morning we are delighted to welcome the Sheffield Wednesday Community Coach to nursery. He holds two sessions in which children learn about following instructions and completing different physical challenges, as well as playing team games.

Forestry School

Our nursery provides the opportunity for our children to experience forestry style experiences right outside the door. These experiences provide children with the opportunity to discover the natural environment, play within it and share fun times with their friends hiding, building and exploring.

Indoor Play Area

Hugely popular with all children, our nursery features a large inside play area. This unique environment has been designed in consultation with our children and their parents. Maybe that is why they love it so much!

Jungle Room

How many animals can you spot in the Jungle Room? This purpose built environment has been designed in consultation with children and parents and provides opportunities for physical development. Children are provided with the ability to climb, use ropes and steps, crawl, jump and slide!

Purpose Built Environment

Our nursery benefits from being a purpose built environment that has been designed in consultation with children and parents. The environment has been designed using not only our own ethos but is supported by baby brain research into how colours and furnishings can shape young children’s minds.

Singing Lessons

Taking place each week, our singing classes help to build confidence, allow children to express themselves and help to develop a love of music from an early age.

Top 10 in East Midlands

Following reviews from the parents, our nursery is ranked in the top 10 day nurseries in the East Midlands on leading nursery listings site DayNurseries.co.uk

Come along &

VISIT A NURSERY

We would love to meet you and your child and take you on a tour of your local Children 1st Nursery. Our experienced staff will be delighted to answer any questions you have about enrolling your child in our nurseries.